What was happening on the night Jesus was born? Not much is known about that
night. Jesus' birth is only mentioned in one of the four Gospels. We don't even
know the real date of his birth. (Mom always told me it was in October.
Therefore, it would take a lot of proof to convince me other wise.) What follows
is not well researched High Theology, just a little whimsy.
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In my mind I've always imagined some sort of cosmic pause… maybe from the
universe holding its collective breath… as Eternity stepped into time. But that
is the stuff of too much science fiction. The reality is all around the world
people went about their lives. Unaware, that for the first time since the dawn
of creation, that everything has changed because of a baby born in a barn, built
into a cave, outside a backward city of a conquered land.
What thoughts were running though Mary's head as she pondered that night? Was
she, as depicted in many nativity scenes, basking in the “wonders of his love,”
in awe of the miracle of scripture fulfilled? Had curiosity led her to reread
the prophets of old? Was she exhausted from the trials of giving birth, yet
restless in her need to protect her son?
Joseph, was he concerned about his duty to lead God Son's into becoming a good
man? Did he survey the area with his craftsman's eyes? Looking for ways to make
that rough cave more comfortable and secure? Did he start to think that maybe
Mary inviting that kid to play his drum wasn't as good an idea as it seemed a
couple hours earlier?
Did Jesus cry that night? Did he coo? Was he filled with some awareness of who
and what he was? Was there really a glow around him as Infinity tried to fit
within a baby's flesh?
Did the shepherds struggle to keep their sheep silent? Were they ashamed of
their appearance? Did they jostle and fight to get a closer look?
Did Zechariah and Elizabeth find more comfortable accommodations for the census?
Did some whisper in the back of Elizabeth's mind suddenly make her worry about
young John's safety?
Did one of the Magi tell his brethren about a new star in the sky? What
compelled him to follow it?
That night did Herod struggle with his fate? Did he hate the fact that his
kingdom was a sham? Did he feel like a dog on leash as a puppet king? Was he
motivated that night to do whatever was necessary to preserve what little power
he had? Did he despise the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for allowing him to
become such a mockery?
In some Roman palace, what is happening with Caesar Augustus, ruler of much of
the civilized world? Was he amazed at his ability to move nations with just a
word? Did he wonder which god had empowered him? Was he concerned about what
purpose that god had for granting him such power?
Was there some lone warrior, in a land, on a continent that Joseph and Mary
could not even begin to imagine, sensing the echo of some Great Spirit around
him? Did he ask the wind how he could get to know that Spirit better?
We will never know the answers to these kinds of questions. God in his wisdom
has left many details unspoken. Then He blessed us with the imagination to
ponder them all the same.
May the Lord richly bless all who read this!
Amen!
Where did your ancestors come from? Have you ever wondered what they were doing that Holy Night? Share your thoughts below.